Monday, January 25, 2010

Diamond Cut

Several people confuse diamond cut with the shape of a diamond. Unlike shape, diamond cut is the metric used to estimate the precision and value of the overall cutting itself. Diamond cut is the majority complex of the 4 Cs, and not even the major labs agree on how to best calculate the quality of a diamond’s cut. Diamond Cut typically takes into consideration 3 criteria: Proportions, Symmetry and Polish. Sometimes Light Performance or other tests can be used to also measure the precision of the diamond cut.

1. When a diamond is cut to correct size, light is reflected from one surface to another surface and then detached through the top of the stone like to the image shown to the left.

2. If the cut of the diamond is too deep, some light escapes during the opposite side of the pavilion.

3. If the cut is too thin, light escapes during the pavilion before it can be reflected.